Off the Beaten Plate: Love Burrito at Mi Ranchito

There’s a lot to love about Mi Ranchito’s Love Burrito. The chicken-stuffed bundle started out as a special at one of the restaurant’s Kansas City-area locations, but customers loved it so much that it eventually earned a permanent slot on the menu — hence the name.

It starts with shredded white-meat chicken and liberal chunks of spinach, and then sprinkles in mushrooms, pico de gallo, rice and Monterey Jack cheese, topped off with a creamy chipotle sauce.

Try it with: Of course, this dish — also loaded up with rice and refried beans — is plenty for one person or even two, but that didn't stop us from sampling more of the menu. In a somewhat halfhearted attempt at healthy eating (after already filling up on chips and espinaca dip), we paired the burrito with one of Mi Ranchito’s signature dishes: the chicken avocado salad. Served in a crispy tortilla bowl, the tasty mix is composed of grilled chicken, peppers, salad greens, tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese and a couple of plump, luscious avocado slices resting on top. Drizzle with your choice of jalapeno ranch dressing or salsa ranchera, and dig in.

Also on the menu: The restaurant, which opened its Lawrence location in October, boasts an extensive menu of Mexican favorites. Think enchiladas, fajitas, chiles rellenos, and yes, lots of burritos. There's also a "gluten-friendly" section, plus some salads and soups.

— Off The Beaten Plate highlights some of the more exotic, oddly named or inventively concocted dishes from local menus. Know of an offbeat item we should check out? Email reporter Joanna Hlavacek at jhlavacek@ljworld.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/hlavacekjoanna.

Comments

I went to Mi Ranchito today (4/9/15) for the Love Burrito and was informed that it was not on the lunch menu. I ordered the dinner portion which was the only option provided after the waiter left to ask. It unfortunately cost $9.99. That is a 25% increase over the published price. I won't be going back!!

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